Jill Hawkins investigates the differences between a coach and a mentor , and finds out why eventprofs use them

oaching and mentoring are on the rise with more people seeking help to enhance their career prospects . But what ’ s the difference between a coach and a mentor , how do you find one and when could they be useful ?

“ A coach is normally a paid role , with someone who has an expertise in getting the best performance out of people ,” says Daniel Priestley , CEO of Dent Global . “ They might not be a high achiever in the specific domain of the people they are coaching , but they are respected for their coaching skills .”

A mentor is someone who has achieved a more senior position within a similar field , says Priestley . “ They are more experienced , more seasoned and have achieved results that are similar to the goals of the mentee . Mentoring is often not paid , although it ’ s normally right to pick up the coffee / lunch bill if a mentor is giving you their time or opening a door for you .”

When to use them

Dent Global is a training organisation that has worked with over 3,500 businesses over the

Mehram Sumray-Roots is founder of

YADA Events and CMO at Freshers

Festival Group

past 10 years , specialising in helping entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial teams to scale up and take positive impact . Priestley has hired coaches for himself and others – “ They were brought in for specific goals that we wanted to achieve , and it was useful to have someone outside of the company to inspect our thinking and check in on our results .”

“ A mentor is useful at any stage of life , but it can be particularly useful when navigating a challenging transition or facing a new problem ,” he adds .

Mehram Sumray-Roots is founder of YADA Events and CMO at Freshers Festival Group . “ I was mentored by Elliot Kay for around

“ A mentor should be a partner in your success and listen to your needs . If your mentor can open doors for you that ’ s great , but they should be helping you to open those doors yourself .”

– Mehram Sumray-Roots

three years , and we are still in contact . I was at the stage in my career where speaking opportunities were important for progression , but a few years before I did a pitch competition , my mind went blank . I decided I needed to gain public speaking skills and overcome the fear . Elliot is an author on the subject and runs a public speaking training company , so I started as a client but quickly became someone that Elliot mentored ,” she says .

According to Priestley , finding a mentor can be tricky . “ I ’ ve had great mentors and each time it has been someone who ’ s had great chemistry with me from the first meeting and who indirectly stands to gain if I succeed . I know that these mentors enjoyed passing over their wisdom as much as I enjoyed receiving it .”

Priestley says that there are hundreds of people who call themselves a mentor or coach and charge a lot for their services . “ There ’ s nothing wrong with paying people for their valuable input provided it ’ s affordable and you know what you are getting ,” he comments . “ Most big companies spend about 5 % of their revenue on learning and development so that should serve as a guide for what you might spend . The perfect situation is to have a mentor who isn ’ t charging you a direct fee like an angel investor or supplier .” Having a mentor enabled

Sumray-Roots to overcome her fear